One World Brigades has continued its efforts throughout the year to improve children’s health and education in rural Kenya. The organization has expanded Gilisho Freedom Academy, which now offers education from preschool through fifth grade. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have built two additional classrooms, enhanced teacher housing on-site, and renovated the bathrooms to ensure better sanitation for the children. In March this year, our service team, along with many local volunteers, provided free medical and dental care as well as public health education to the surrounding community.
Gilisho Freedom Academy is located in a very rural area of Kenya near the Maasai Mara conservation area, a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Many parents in this region are either unemployed or single parents, and several children at the school are orphans. Access to primary education is scarce, as traveling to other areas for education is nearly impossible for families without vehicles. Children aged three to ten must walk to school on a dangerous dirt road. The proximity to the conservation area, which is not fenced, poses a threat from wild animals often found on this road.
Healthcare is another significant challenge for families living in this area. Residents in these remote areas rarely see a doctor, even for life-threatening injuries. Dental care is a luxury many cannot afford, resulting in untreated dental infections and lack of access to medication or treatment. One World Brigades, alongside trained Kenyan physicians and local Swahili interpreters, provides critical healthcare services, seeing almost 800 people within a two-week period at two different locations each year.
Our work at the school is far from over. One World Brigades is continuously planning and executing new projects to improve the learning environment and the quality of life for the students. The upcoming “Service and Safari Trip” 2025 is a testament to our ongoing commitment, with new projects slated for the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. These include the construction of a new smokeless kitchen and a covered cafeteria area, where the children will receive two meals per day. We’re also working on a solar power project to provide electricity to the school and potentially support a future computer learning lab. With the support of our generous donors, the dedication of our incredible volunteers, and the efforts of the local community, we’re making a lasting impact on education and healthcare for those in need.
Service to others, whether in our local community or on a global scale, is a deeply rewarding experience. It brings profound joy and fulfillment and embodies the true essence of our humanity. By giving from the heart, we create lasting happiness for ourselves and those we serve. If you’re interested in experiencing this joy firsthand, consider volunteering with our organization. Our unique Service and Safari trip offers an opportunity to make a real difference, and no medical or dental experience is required to volunteer.
To learn more about how you can help, join our fundraiser on September 21 at Pete’s Mountain Winery from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature entertainment from the Maasai Mara dance group, live music, and refreshments, and is a great way to show your support for our cause.
To learn more about volunteering on a Service and Safari trip, or to attend the fundraiser, visit oneworldbrigades.org.
